Signification
Asking for the bill in a restaurant.
Contexte culturel
Waiters will not bring the bill until you ask. It's considered polite to let guests linger. Historically, writers lived in cafés and would only ask for the 'számla' at the very end of the day. If you say 'Köszönöm' while handing over cash, you are telling them to keep the change. Asking for an 'ÁFÁ-s számla' (VAT invoice) is a common sight at gas stations and restaurants for business travelers.
Eye Contact
In Hungary, catching the waiter's eye and slightly nodding is the best way to signal you are about to say the phrase.
The 'Thank You' Trap
Don't say 'Köszönöm' when giving money unless you want them to keep all the change!
Signification
Asking for the bill in a restaurant.
Eye Contact
In Hungary, catching the waiter's eye and slightly nodding is the best way to signal you are about to say the phrase.
The 'Thank You' Trap
Don't say 'Köszönöm' when giving money unless you want them to keep all the change!
Check for Service Charge
Look for 'szervizdíj' on the bill. If it's there, a 10% tip is already included.
Politeness
Adding 'legyen szíves' (please) at the end makes a great impression on staff.
Teste-toi
Complete the phrase by adding the correct ending to 'számla'.
Elnézést, számla___ kérek.
The accusative case '-t' is needed for the direct object.
Which is the most natural way to ask for the bill in a Hungarian restaurant?
How do you say 'The bill, please'?
'Számlát kérek' is the standard, grammatically correct phrase.
Fill in the learner's line.
Waiter: 'Még valamit?' (Anything else?) Learner: 'Nem, köszönöm. _________.'
When you don't want anything else, it's time to ask for the bill.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to pay for your group separately.
'Külön' means separately.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesElnézést, számla___ kérek.
The accusative case '-t' is needed for the direct object.
How do you say 'The bill, please'?
'Számlát kérek' is the standard, grammatically correct phrase.
Waiter: 'Még valamit?' (Anything else?) Learner: 'Nem, köszönöm. _________.'
When you don't want anything else, it's time to ask for the bill.
You want to pay for your group separately.
'Külön' means separately.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is the standard neutral way to ask. It is not rude.
Yes, but it's very informal, like saying 'I'm paying' while walking to the counter.
Say 'Számlát kérek, kártyával fizetek'.
Yes, 'Számla kérek' is grammatically incorrect and sounds like 'Bill I ask'.
Say 'Csak a sajátomat fizetem' (I'm only paying for my own).
It's not legally mandatory, but 10% is socially expected unless service was poor.
It's a formal tax invoice used for business accounting.
He thought you meant 'keep the change'.
Usually no, shops give receipts automatically. Use it where service is provided at a table.
Add 'legyen szíves' or 'szépen' (Számlát kérek szépen).
You might hear 'Kérném a cechet', where 'cech' is an old slang word for the bill.
Say 'Szerintem hiba van a számlán' (I think there is a mistake on the bill).
Expressions liées
Fizetni szeretnék
synonymI would like to pay
Mennyi lesz?
similarHow much will it be?
Külön fizetünk
builds onWe are paying separately
Megtarthatja a visszajárót
similarYou can keep the change
Áfás számla
specialized formVAT invoice
